First aircraft of AirAsia India arrives in Chennai

Team PSI
3/22/2014
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Spotted By - Praveen Sundaram

India’s newest airline, AirAsia India, has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320 equipped with Sharklets, becoming the newest operator of the type. Chennai-based AirAsia India will take delivery of an additional nine aircraft for its initial fleet of 10 A320s, to serve India’s rapidly growing domestic air traffic. Powered by CFM engines, the aircraft is configured in an all economy layout with 180 seats.

The new airline is a joint venture between AirAsia Group, Tata Sons and Telstra Tradeplace.

“Indian domestic traffic is growing at an impressive rate and our well established and successful business model suits the market,” said Mittu Chandilya, AirAsia India CEO. “AirAsia and Airbus have a long-standing, special relationship. We are fully confident that with our new A320 fleet we will provide the Indian passenger the service and convenient travel options already offered by the AirAsia Group elsewhere in the region.

The Airbus A320 landed at 9.25 am from its factory at Toulouse, France. The plane was greeted with a water cannon salute as it taxied on the runway, it said.

The aircraft is configured in an all-economy layout with 180 seats. Currently, AirAsia India is awaiting AOP (air operator's permit) to start flying commercially, it said.

"AirAsia India family takes immense pride in welcoming home its first aircraft which has just rolled of the manufacturing line from Toulouse", AirAsia India, Chief Executive Officer, Mittu Chandilya said.

"The arrival of our first A320 signifies that we are a step closer to our dream to create a new benchmark in the low-cost air travel category"

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We're India’s largest aviation enthusiast community, committed to unite plane spotters from India, providing a common platform to share, showcase and exhibit aviation photos by beginners or professional aviation photographers.